Hay Budden

David Loukides

David Loukides

Joined
Mar 17, 2006
Messages
1,363
Hi Guys,
Started my new job on Wednesday. Guess what I found?
My Question is how do I determine the value of a Hay Budden?
It is in reasonable shape. Corners are rounded with no major nicking.
What Do I Look for.
The owner will take a offer from me.
 
Dave,

Is it "sway-backed"? If it is not too sway-backed, it is still a "user".

Get yourself a fair sized ball bearing and drop it on the face. Does it have fair re-bound? (70-85%)

Tap the horn with a metal object. Does it have any ring to it?

These will help determine if it may have been in a fire or not.

Hay Budden anvils are great if you can find a good one. Seems like I read that they went out of business around 1929, but were considered one of the best U.S. made anvils of their time.

I have a 124 pounder that is not in the best of shape, but still use it every time I forge. (along side of my Euro-Anvil 260 pounder).

I paid about $1.50 per pound for the Budden about 5 years ago.

Just a few thoughts that may help in your decision.

Good luck,

Robert
 
Dave, an offer of 200$ would be perfect, if the anvil is not sway backed and has a clean sharp face (like most Hay Buddens I have EVER seen), and it is around 150-200 pounds. You would be getting a good deal and paying the guy fair if it is just sitting around.
 
If it has much sway or pitting/use marks,look close for a face plate seam.Some of the later Hay-Budden's were one piece from the waist up and can be machined without affecting the face quality.[within reason,of course] Very popular anvils. I'd say $2/lb and under for something NICE is a steal.
 
Dave , ask him what he had in mind for a price. I brought home a decent Wilkinson 2 weeks ago. When I asked the owner what he thought he needed for it, the response was a whopping $25!. So ya just never know. If he says 2-3 bucks a pound,. then the negotiations begin,
Last week I come across a mousehole for a good price,$65. The owner then showed me 2 HayBuddens, a 260# and a 360#. Both are Clean, capitol C.We are having negotiations (BOG)
 
The Owner had a offer $250. that didn't come thru. My question is how do I know how much its worth? But Based on what I am hearing is a relatively clean and sound Hay Budden is in the $1.50 to $2.00 a pound. Thanks Robert for how to check it out.
Thanks Again for all your input!!!!
 
I was pretty lucky to snag this about 7 years ago:
Picture054.jpg


405# Hay Budden

on larger anvils you end up paying a little more per lb., just because they're harder to find
 
You guys are lucky. I haven't found a really nice one yet. Mine is 70 lbs.
 
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